About CASP
CASP Chairman Gillian Eames fought a long battle, supported by her Rheumatologist to continue treatment with an anti-TNF therapy following a successful five year drug trial. In 2008, Gill was eventually successful and now has funding for the treatment that is enabling her to manage her AS and live as full a live as possible.
Following this campaign, numerous people with AS got in touch with Gill about similar struggles that they faced to get the right treatment, physio support and financial assistance to help them cope with their disease.
As the number of people contacting Gill grew, it became clear that there was a need for a coalition of AS patients that could facilitate contact between individual patients and local representatives and organisations that can help them. This alliance of people with AS would also be best placed to campaign nationally for equal access to the best treatments and support available and a better understanding of AS in public life and in the work place.
It can be difficult for some people with AS and their families when they know that something is wrong but are unable to get a definitive diagnosis; when they have AS but still experience acute pain each day or when their rheumatologist has recommended a treatment that their PCT will not provide funding for.
CASP exists to campaign nationally on the issues facing AS patients but also to provide mutual support and assistance for people who have not been able to access the help they need. CASP aims to facilitate contact between people with AS and their GP, rheumatologist, PCT or MP to request help where it is needed.
